2013 VAIL OKTOBERFEST KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND IN LIONSHEAD VILLAGE

09/05/2013

Kicking off Friday evening with the Official Oktoberfest Opening Ceremony & Hacker-PschorrKeg Tapping.

Munich comes to the Lionshead Village this weekend to officially kick-off the world’s greatest celebration of beer, music and autumn in Vail: Oktoberfest! The event will see a full weekend of authentic Bavarian fun including the return of many crowd favorites like the Bratwurst Eating Contests, Adult Keg Bowling and Adult Stein Lifting Competitions. Emulating the age-old celebration known all over the world, Vail Oktoberfest in Lionshead will delight guests with Bavarian music and dancing, traditional fare like Klement’s Bratwursts, yodeling, alpenhorn blowing, beverages from Hacker-Pschorr and Jagermeister and much more.

Entertainment and Fun

Throw on the lederhosen, tie the dirndl and grab your stein because the lineup of entertainment for Vail Oktoberfest in Lionshead this weekend is not to be missed. Things kick off Friday afternoon at 5PM with live oom-pah music from HelmutFricker and the Rhinelanders Band starting at 5:30PM and play through the evening. Helmut and the band will be on hand throughout the weekend to keep the crowd going with favorite Oktoberfest tunes. Guests are also invited to enjoy the Hacker-Pschorr Keg Tapping Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, officially marking the start of Oktoberfest in Vail.

All throughout Vail Oktoberfest, guests will enjoy oom-pah music from Oktoberfest legends Helmut Fricker and the Rhinelanders Band. In addition to the live music, guest can participate in Bavarian dancing demonstrations from the Denver Kickers Schuplattler Dancers, see traditional alpenhorn blowing, hear yodeling and much more. On Saturday, the party goes into the night with a free concert from Dixie Leadfoot.

Vail Oktoberfest is a family affair, and the event features fun activities during the day for kids. Children will find lots on things to love in the Bighorn Toyota Kids’ Zone, from live entertainment to crafts, pretzel necklace making, and more.

Contests

Keg Bowling is back giving anyone interested in the game the chance to hurl a keg shell on wheels down the lane at a pyramid of keg shells with the intention of bringing down the pile. It’s not as easy at it seems, however. The top competitors from the first round of the competition move on the final round of Keg Bowling, where the champion of the day will be crowned and prizes will be awarded. Participants must be at least 21 years old to compete.

The fun continues with the return of the Klement’s Bratwurst Eating Contests, where the strong-willed and the strong-stomached battle it out to see who can down the most brats in three minutes. The competitor who wolfs down the most brats in the allotted time wins not only a great prize package from Klement’s Sausage Company.

The Bavarian Costume Contests rewards those festival participants who go all out and show up for the day in full Bavarian flare or in another Oktoberfest related costume. Those who do will be invited to participate in the Oktoberfest Costume Contests on Saturday and Sunday. All ages are invited to participate in the costume contests. The winner will be determined by crowd response and will take home an Oktoberfest stein and token package.

The Stein Lift Contests will test the arm strength and stamina of even the fiercest competitors. Competitors will hold FULL beer steins - one in each hand - out from their body at shoulder level. The last person standing with arms outstretched will take home an Oktoberfest prize package. Participants in the Stein Lift Contest must me at least 21 years of age.

A variety of these contests take place both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7 & 8 in Lionshead Village. There is no cost to participate in these contests. Competitors who wish to participate can sign up at the Oktoberfest token booth nearest Arrabelle Square.

Exclusive Oktoberfest Lodging Packages

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort is a 344 room, AAA Four Diamond Resort with amenities, hospitality, and special touches to accommodate any escape, celebration, or gathering of minds. Only a short three minute walk to Vail Square in Lionshead with the Eagle-Bahn Gondola, shopping, and dining. For outdoor recreation including ski and bike rentals, Charter Sports, is conveniently located on property and fly fishing and hiking trails are just outside the doors. Start the day with a signature breakfast buffet in First Chair Cafe, or enjoy your evening in 7One5 Restaurant, and for cocktails and lite bite stop by Avalanche Pub in the lobby. At Vail Marriott experience local charm and a relaxed way of life. Book your reservation online now at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/whrco-vail-marriott mountain-resort/ and take advantage of the $50 resort credit plus room upgrade.

The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, a resort steeped in rich Bavarian tradition, has put together two exclusive lodging packages for guests coming to Vail to take in beauty of fall and the energy of Vail Oktoberfest. Experience Oktoberfest in true Bavarian style at the Sonnenalp. Vail comes alive with festive music, dance and traditional Bavarian fare.

*Rates are per night based on double occupancy in a Junior Suite. Valid Sept. 6-8, 2013 and Sept. 13-15, 2013. 9.8% taxes and gratuity not included. Subject to space available, some restrictions apply. Limit (2)two steins and (12)twelve tokens per stay, while supplies last. May not be combined with other offers. Please inquire about larger suites.

Vail Oktoberfest is presented by Hacker-Pschorr, Town of Vail and Vail Dentistry and sponsored in part by Bighorn Toyota, Arrowhead Water, Sonnenalp Hotel, Klement’s Sausage Company, Marriott Mountain Resort, Loki, Jagermeister, Shawls by Veronika, Vail Daily and KZYR the Zephyr.

About Vail

There’s no place like Vail for year-round recreation, outdoor pursuits and cultural activities in the heart of the Rockies. Located just two hours west of Denver, Vail’s fresh air, rugged beauty and charming pedestrian village await visitors. Discover a quaint mountain town where outdoor activities abound and the performing arts flourish. Matching the incredible winter mountain experience, Vail from May through October is characterized by a rich culinary scene, family activities, a world-class events schedule, and everything in between. This summer guests can experience events like the Vail Jazz Festival, the 25th Anniversary of the Vail International Festival of Dance, BRAVO! Vail, USA Pro Challenge, Gourmet on Gore culinary festival, Vail America Days and much more. Vail offers a diverse range of lodging options from luxury brands to boutique hotels, condominiums and vacation rentals. For more information on a Vail vacation, please visit www.vail.com. For more information on the community, please visit www.vailgov.com.

About Highline

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For more information on Vail Oktoberfest and a full schedule of events, including the schedule of events for Oktoberfest in Vail Village Sept. 16-18, visit www.vailoktoberfest.com.

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